Aims of Assignment

The overarching aim of Assignment 1 is to increase your appreciation of the science of social work by helping you to identify ways in which your professional social work goals and aspirations can be enhanced by critical thinking, empirical research evidence, and scientific inquiry. Specific aims of the assignment include the following:

1. To deepen your understanding of how your personal characteristics, values, and experiences have influenced your decision to pursue social work as a profession, as well as your goals and aspirations as a professional social worker.
2. To help you identify, refine, or validate your professional social work interests.
3. To enhance your ability to assess your existing practice knowledge and to determine what additional knowledge you need in order to achieve your professional goals and aspirations.
4. To strengthen your ability to formulate social work practice questions that, when answered, will enhance your professional competence and effectiveness.

By the end of Assignment 1, you will have developed practice questions that are relevant to YOUR professional interests and development. One of the questions that you formulate will be the basis for Assignments 2 and 3.

In subsequent assignments, you will locate and appraise empirical research evidence related to your practice question and professional interests.  Ultimately, in Assignment 3, you will be asked to apply the practice knowledge you acquired from completing the first two assignments to professional social work practice.

Format & Approach

Assignment 1 uses a worksheet format to provide you with structured guidance and opportunities to enhance your knowledge and skills. The assignment consists of three parts. The first part of the assignment addresses the connection between your life experiences and your professional identity as a social worker. The second part of the assignment relates to your current areas of interest and the practice knowledge you currently have in your specified area of interest. Finally, the third part of the assignment asks that you develop practice questions that you have regarding your specified area of interest.

In the space provided, please provide thoughtful responses based on application of key concepts covered in class, critical reflection and self-assessment. When completing the assignment, it is important to reflect not just on the item and your response, but also on the item and response in relation to the other items and responses. Also, it is important to reflect on the process of completing the assignment and your experience. Please recognize that in some instances, there are no right or wrong answers. In those instances, your responses will be graded on how well you communicate and demonstrate your understanding and ability to appropriately apply key concepts and terminology as presented in course materials and classroom discussions.

When completing the assignment, it is suggested that you carefully review and refer to (1) the NASW Code of Ethics (2021), (2) the Council on Social Work Education’s 2022 Educational Policy and Accreditation Standards (EPAS), and (3) The Grand Challenges for Social Work.

Grading & Submission

Assignment 1 comprises 20% of your final grade. Grading for the assignment will be based on a 100-point scale.  Points for each item are identified within the assignment.  The total number of points earned will then be converted into a 20-percentage point scale.  Points will be based on (a) the presence or absence of a response to each assignment question or item; (b) the completeness of your response; (c) the thoughtfulness of your response; (d) the clarity of your response; and (e) the degree to which you appropriately apply key concepts and terminology. Note that your grade for Assignment 1 is independent of your grades for other course assignments.

Learning Outcomes Addressed by Assignment 1

This assignment addresses the following student learning outcomes: 1 & 2.

Part 1. Formulating Your Professional Identity

(10 POINTS TOTAL)

Instructions

Begin by reflecting on your personal characteristics, values, and experiences. As part of your reflection, consider how dimensions of diversity have shaped you and your identity. Dimensions of diversity are understood as the intersectionality of multiple factors. These include but are not limited to race, ethnicity, tribal sovereign status, nationality, immigration status, culture, color, class, sex, gender, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, relationship or marital status, ability and disability, age, religion/spirituality, and political ideology (CSWE, 2022).

1. In no more than ONE paragraph, describe how dimensions of diversity (i.e., the intersectionality of multiple factors) have shaped your life experiences, including your experiences with exclusion, oppression, discrimination, marginalization, poverty, and alienation as well as inclusion, privilege, power, access, and acclaim.  (5 POINTS)

As an African American woman, I have faced exclusion, oppression, and discrimination due to my race and ethnicity. Unfortunately, this is widespread in a society characterized by historic and systemic challenges every African American comes up against. Starting from the socioeconomic situation of being raised mainly by a single mother, I did notice the financial struggles that my family experienced. However, I could not appreciate my mother’s effort to provide an education for me and my two siblings. Yet, life took its toll on my family structure, leading me to become a single mom, with my child’s father incarcerated for dealing drugs, and having myself work menial jobs for a little amount that could not provide my child the childhood I wanted for him. I know what marginalization is and what poverty is like. However, I wanted to become someone, and as my mother taught me, if I can dream it, I can be it. Enrolling in studying in a community college, working full time, and being a full-time mom endowed me with the privilege of experiencing a positive family dynamic when I met my current husband, who encouraged me, supported me, and raised my children as his own. I felt included when everyone at college helped me through my difficult times, and now, after graduating from SJDC, CSU Stan and working for the EWHS, I think I have reached acclaim through helping others. I always approach others with dignity and respect, using unconditional positive regard in how I treat and talk to them. This is what I have become, and I am proud of myself. 5/5

• In no more than ONE paragraph, describe how your personal characteristics, values, and experiences influenced your decision to pursue social work as a profession and the problems, issues, and populations you are most interested in.  (5 POINTS)

I am an advocate for myself and anyone who has experienced any oppression, discrimination, marginalization, poverty, exclusion, etc. Experiences that influenced my decision to pursue the social work profession: Working at a Level II Trauma ER and seeing the amount of the homeless population who “live” in the hospital lobby, and the amount of elderly and mentally ill who are talked about like they don’t exist or are invisible. I wanted to assist in treating these populations of people with dignity and respect and find resources to help bring about change. This was my first-hand experience when I faced the harsh reality of elderly individuals in dire conditions of being homeless. I realize that this sphere needs immediate attention and intervention. At the same time, when one becomes a witness to the elderly and mentally ill being treated as if they are not human, and no one really cares about them, this is very disheartening. I have made up my mind to contribute my time and effort to alleviate the challenges of this marginalized and vulnerable population. 5/5

Part 2. Identifying Your Professional Interests & practice Knowledge Needs

(30 POINTS TOTAL)

Instructions

This class, along with all others you take while in MSW program at USC, is designed to prepare you for “specialized practice.” Specialized practice augments and extends social work knowledge, values, and skills to engage, assess, intervene, and evaluate within an area of specialization. Specialized practitioners advocate with and on behalf of clients and constituencies in their area of specialized practice. They also synthesize and employ a broad range of interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary knowledge and skills based on scientific inquiry and best practices, and consistent with social work values. Finally, specialized practitioners engage in and conduct research to inform and improve practice, policy, and service delivery (CSWE, 2022).

1. Reflect on which aspect of the Grand Challenge(s) that you selected interests you and is most likely to be an area around which your specialized practice as a professional social worker will revolve.  In no more than ONE paragraph, use information and readings from the Grand Challenges website to specify and establish the social work problem or issue that will be the focus of your professional practice, including the nature, scope and significance of problem or issue.  Cite the relevant references in your discussion. (10 POINTS)

The Grand Challenge I am interested in is the Elderly and Mentally Ill, as well as the homeless populations. Following my grandmother’s teachings, I am trying my best to help those who are marginalized and have difficulty accessing healthcare and social services. This is also impacted by the unique challenges older adults face, especially when ill with a terminal illness, just like my grandmother. I wish to give back to the world what I have received. 5/10

• As it relates to the social work problem or issue you are interested in, identify and describe an existing agency or organization that you would love to work in after graduation. Also, identify and describe the position you would hope to hold in that agency and explain why. Please include a link to both the agency and a description of the position in your response. (10 POINTS)

I work for Ever Well Health Systems, a Residential Care Facility for the Elderly and Mentally Ill. I am interested in continuing to work with this population as a Behavioral Health Program Manager and an LCSW. Under the CEO’s supervision, the Program Manager will be responsible for daily management and operations of the Behavioral Health Program. The Program Manager will provide administrative/clinical supervision to the behavioral health program staff to ensure all services are delivered according to local, state, and federal laws and in compliance with contractual requirements. The Manager is responsible for providing quality care for all behavioral health participants, including medication management, Behavioral Health therapy, and case management services. I enjoy working with people, helping them in their treatment, and showing them the dignity and respect they deserve. My main goal in becoming a social worker and exercising my abilities is to enhance and improve older adults and people with mental illness well-being and improve their quality of life. Integrated Healthcare in Pismo Beach, CA (everwellhealth.org) 9.5/10

• Based on the position description referenced in the previous item, briefly discuss what qualifications you would need to strengthen in order to obtain the position you are interested in if you were you applying for it.  Include any certifications and how they would help strengthen your qualifications.  (5 POINTS)

To become the Behavioral Health Program Manager, I must strengthen my clinical skills and knowledge base through ongoing learning. These components are essential to my professional development. I must improve my clinical skills and expand my understanding of the human body to achieve this managerial capacity. This would mean taking extra courses and learning materials, attending workshops, and staying current with advancements in behavioral health. And I am willing to do so. To become an LCSW in California, social workers must meet specific requirements. These include the following: Education Requirement: Master’s degree in social work from an accredited school of social work, verified by electronic transcripts. Field Requirements: 3,000 total supervised hours over 104 weeks (minimum), register as an ASW, take and pass the California Law & Ethics Exam, and take and pass the ASWB Clinical Exam. The journey from MSW to LCSW and wanting to manage behavioral health programs highlights the value of ongoing education and career advancement. Developing clinical skills and maintaining a solid knowledge basis are crucial for me to assume leadership roles in behavioral health. 5/5

• Again, as it relates to the position you are interested in, reflect on your practice knowledge needs as they relate to your current ability to effectively engage, assess, intervene, and evaluate within your intended specialized practice area. In no more than a few sentences, indicate what about your specified social work problem or issue you need to learn or understand better from an empirical knowledge (i.e., research evidence) standpoint? (5 POINTS)

I need to expand my empirical knowledge as it is crucial to finding a solution to the Grand Challenge. This involves more information on the homeless, mentally ill, and elderly populations. I specifically want to look at study data that will help understand the complex connection between social isolation, healthcare availability, and the influence of societal views. Naturally, many other factors lead to mental health problems amongst older adults, and we must consider those, too. It is essential to understand how homelessness and mental health overlap. This presents the need to gain knowledge of the underlying causes, prevalence, and practical interventions for those dealing with both issues at once. I also want to learn more about evidence-based strategies and prevention initiatives that have worked well for these marginalized and socially vulnerable populations. This will see me looking into studies on creative housing solutions, approaches to mental health treatment, and community-based support networks. When interacting with people in these social work settings, I can develop targeted and efficient strategies adopting a directed approach, primarily because of the empirical data I will use. 5/5

Part 3. Formulating answerable Practice Questions to Enhance Your PrOFESSIONAL Competence & effectiveness

(60 POINTS TOTAL)

Instructions

This final part of the assignment is designed to enhance your ability to formulate answerable practice questions related to social work problems or issues you need to learn or understand better from an empirical knowledge standpoint. Please note that you are asked to formulate practice questions NOT research or evaluation questions. When answered, the practice questions you formulate will enhance your professional competence and effectiveness. By the end of this part of the assignment, you will be one step closer to becoming the professional social worker you imagined and described earlier in the assignment and be better equipped to address an area of interest and specialization.

Note that the effectiveness practice question #4 you formulate will be the basis for Assignments 2 and 3.  Throughout the semester, you may continue to refine your practice question.  

1.	Practice Question #1 – EXPERIENCE/MEANING (15 Points) For example: How do ____________________ diagnosed with  ____________________ perceive  ____________________?
	Your Practice Question: How do elderly individuals experiencing homelessness and diagnosed with mental health conditions perceive and access mental health services?   Best Type of Evidence or Study Design for Answering the Practice Question:Meta-analyses and systematic reviewsExperiments and replications of experimentsQuasi-experimentsCorrelational/observational studies (Select Either Correlational or Qualitative)Qualitative studies; single case design; anecdotal case studies; surveys; and other non/pre experiments (studies without comparison groups or pre-tests)   Best Search Terms: Homeless elderly mental health care, Access challenges to mental health services for elderly individuals, Homeless elderly mental health access, Homelessness impact on mental health service provision, Perception of mental health amongst elderly homeless individuals.   14.5/15
2.	Practice Question #2 – RISK/CAUSE/ETIOLOGY (15 points) For example: Are  ____________________ who have  ____________________ at  ____________________ risk for/of  ____________________ compared with  ____________________ with/without  ____________________ ?
	Your Practice Question: Are elderly individuals who have experienced homelessness and complex family relations at higher risk for mental health challenges compared with their counterparts with stable housing and sound family relations?   Best Type of Evidence or Study Design for Answering the Practice Question:Meta-analyses and systematic reviewsExperiments and replications of experimentsQuasi-experimentsCorrelational/observational studiesQualitative studies; single case design; anecdotal case studies; surveys; and other non/pre experiments (studies without comparison groups or pre-tests)   Best Search Terms: Elderly homelessness & family relations dynamics, Influence of family dynamics & mental health outcomes of the elderly, Homelessness and family stressor impact on mental health, Mental health challenges & poor family dynamics.   14/15
3.	Practice Question #3 – EXPECTATION/PRediction/prOGNOSIS (15 points) For example: Does  ____________________ influence  ____________________ in clients who have  ____________________ ?
	Your Practice Question: Does the level of social support influence the mental health prognosis in elderly clients who have experienced homelessness?   Best Type of Evidence or Study Design for Answering the Practice Question:Meta-analyses and systematic reviewsExperiments and replications of experiments Quasi-experimentsCorrelational/observational studiesQualitative studies; single case design; anecdotal case studies; surveys; and other non/pre experiments (studies without comparison groups or pre-tests)   Best Search Terms: Social support and mental health prognosis in elderly homeless, Social support impact on mental health recovery in elderly experiencing homelessness, Social support and psychological well-being in elderly with a history of homelessness, Role of social support in the mental health trajectory of elderly with a history of homelessness.   14.5/15
4.	Practice Question #4 – EFFECTIVENESS of AN Intervention, program or policy (15 points): For example: In  ____________________, what is the effect of  ____________________ on  ____________________ compared with  ____________________ ?
	Your Practice Question: In elderly individuals facing homelessness, what is the effect of providing supportive housing plus mental health services on OUTCOMES compared with just providing supportive housing?   Best Type of Evidence or Study Design for Answering the Practice Question:Meta-analyses and systematic reviewsExperiments and replications of experimentsQuasi-experimentsCorrelational/observational studiesQualitative studies; single case design; anecdotal case studies; surveys; and other non/pre experiments (studies without comparison groups or pre-tests)   Best Search Terms: Supportive housing initiatives and mental health outcomes in elderly homeless, Mental health outcomes in elderly individuals with and without access to services in supportive housing, Access to mental health services and mental health outcomes in elderly homeless residents of supportive housing, Effectiveness of mental health interventions in supportive housing for elderly homeless.   13.5/15

References

 Education, C. O. S. W. (2022). Educational policy and accreditation standards. Council on Social Work Education: Washington, DC, USA. https://www.cswe.org/getmedia/bb5d8afe-7680-42dc-a332-a6e6103f4998/2022-EPAS.pdf&clen=539839&chunk=true&pdffilename=2022-EPAS.pdf

Ever Well Health. (2024). All-Inclusive Mental Healthcare by Ever Well Health. Ever Well Health. https://everwellhealth.org/

Grand Challenges for Social Work. (2024). Grand Challenges for Social Work. Grand Challenges. https://grandchallengesforsocialwork.org/#the-challenges

NASW. (2021). 2021 Revisions to the NASW Code of Ethics: Self-Care and Cultural Competence. Social Work Online CE Institute. https://naswinstitute.inreachce.com/Details/Information/757e97f0-7b33-4dc7-acb1-58776a2ecf66